Outgoing Shetland Islands Council leader Cecil Smith says “a lot of good things” have come out of his time as a council member - and maintains that “personal reasons”, rather than political fallouts, were behind his decision to step aside.

NHS Shetland is continuing to struggle to fill a slew of GP and other vacancies as it strives to bring its £1.7 million bill for temporary staff down amid unprecedented financial pressure on its resources.

Thousands of islanders have been partying all day and night to mark this year’s Up Helly Aa. The fiery spectacular is a 24-hour party but after festivities kicked off at 8.30am yesterday, tired revellers have been making their home for a well-earned rest. Check out the scenes from Lerwick today in our picture gallery below.